Golden Pal set to exploit 24lb advantage against Battaash in epic Nunthorpe

Wesley Ward has revealed Norfolk Stakes runner-up Golden Pal will take on some of the world's best sprinters in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York next month.

The Group 1 event, run over five furlongs, allows juveniles to clash against their elders and Golden Pal could face Battaash and Art Power in what is shaping up to be an epic race on the Knavesmire on August 21.

Members can click here to read David Baxter's assessment of two-year-olds in the Nunthorpe

Golden Pal is set to carry 8st 1lb while six-year-old and hot favourite Battaash is weighted with 9st 11lb, equating to a 24lb allowance. Bookmakers make the two-year-old a general 10-1 chance.

The son of Uncle Mo was narrowly touched off at Royal Ascot by The Lir Jet – who finished second in the Prix Robert Papin on Sunday – and, despite being a maiden after two starts, Ward is keen to pitch him in at the deep end.

Acapulco: second in the Nunthorpe as a juvenile in 2015Credit: Mark Cranham

Golden Pal will be looking to become just the second two-year-old winner of the Nunthorpe this century, following Kingsgate Native's 2007 success. Ward trained Queen Mary winner Acapulco to finish second in 2015.

The trainer told Bloodhorse: "Golden Pal will take on the older horses. He gets a massive weight break at 8st 1lb. We tried it once with Acalpulco and we were second. There have been a bunch of two-year-olds who have been very successful in the race and won.

"It's a big weight break to take advantage of with a two-year-old who has the quickness and quality he has."

Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Aug 21)

William Hill: 11-10 Battaash, 6 Art Power, 7 Oxted, Sceptical, 10 Golden Pal, 12 Glass Slippers, 14 A'Ali, Hello Youmzain, Liberty Beach, 20 bar

Read more

The Lir Jet swoops late to deny Wesley Ward's Golden Pal in Norfolk

Ward lauds Fallon and Dettori for priming Campanelle to Queen Mary glory

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club